Protect Virginia from Opioid-like Kratom Addiction

What Parents and Lawmakers Need to Know

Every day, unsuspecting consumers are misled into believing that kratom is a "safe," plant-based, herbal supplement that can increase focus and energy, and relieve chronic pain. Although kratom can indeed provide some of these therapeutic benefits, most consumers are unaware that kratom acts like an opioid in the body, creating serious health risks including seizures, addiction, and, in some cases, death.

Contact Lawmakers

Dean Francis shares son's kratom addiction story with Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors.

Kratom is often marketed as a harmless herbal supplement, but in reality, it has caused devastating harm in communities across our state and nation. Law enforcement officers, healthcare providers, and families in Petersburg have witnessed firsthand the destructive effects this unregulated substance can have on individuals’ lives—leading to addiction, job loss, family breakdown, and, in some cases, tragic loss of life.
Mayor Samuel Parham
Petersburg, VA
Read the Complete Letter of Support

Many of our neighbors here in Richmond and across the Commonwealth aren't aware that Kratom is addictive, that it is unregulated, and that it can cause harm. I support taking action to protect consumers and families…
Mayor Dr. Danny Avula
Richmond, VA
Read the Complete Letter of Support

Allowing kratom to be sold openly in gas stations and smoke shops undermines efforts to assist those suffering from substance abuse. It sends a dangerous message to our youth that addictive and mind-altering substances can be casually purchased alongside everyday consumer goods.
Mayor J. Harrison Cluff
Orange, VA
Read the Complete Letter of Support

How is it possible an opioid-like substance is so easily accessible in smoke shops, gas stations, and convenience stores?

The kratom industry exploits federal food and dietary supplement laws to avoid being registered as a "drug." In doing so, they bypass many safety measures consumers typically expect for an opioid-like substance, such as pharmacy consulting and purchase limits to avoid misuse and addiction. Kratom is primarily sold in vape shops, gas stations, and convenience stores—settings that can create the impression its risks are similar to vaping or drinking an energy drink.

Kratom is a commercial substance that is commonly labeled an "all-natural herb," leading people to believe it’s completely safe—but the reality is it can be extremely dangerous and unfortunately, in some cases, lethal.
No parent… should have to endure the loss of a child to a substance simply because they didn’t know what was in it.
Governor Kathy Hochul
New York

Why End Kratom Addiction?
Cameron's Story: Duped into Addiction

Photo of Cameron, Sarah, and Dean Francis — Dean Francis (R), his wife, Sarah, and their son Cameron in Midlothian, VA, on Aug. 12, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

In 2017, our son Cameron discovered kratom online while he was a college athlete. It was marketed as a "safe, plant-based herbal supplement"—a healthy alternative to alcohol that could boost mood, improve focus for studying, and even help with sleep.
In 2021, a terrifying trip to the emergency room exposed the truth. A physician told us plainly: kratom acts like an opioid—and Cameron was in severe withdrawal. He felt like he was going to die. What followed was physical and emotional torment we wouldn't wish on anyone. Recovery was long, agonizing, and seemingly hopeless at times—more like climbing a mountain on his hands and knees.
Cameron lost nearly eight years of his life to a product sold as "harmless."
Today, his story is no longer rare. Across our communities, more families are confronting kratom dependence, devastating withdrawal, and worse–death.
While compounds in this plant may have therapeutic potential, the risks are real, and many in the kratom industry work tirelessly to downplay them. This website exists to expose the truth, warn parents and grandparents, and urge lawmakers to act—either by regulating kratom products with the same safeguards we expect for pharmacy-controlled substances: clear consumption limits, tracking, and a quality consultation upon purchase.
Together, we can end kratom addiction—and save lives.

– Dean Francis, aka Dad

Read the Article from

Can kratom be addictive?

Massive online recovery communities document the reality: r/kratomquitters, a subreddit for anyone struggling with kratom addiction, has over 55,000 members, Kratom Quitters hosts daily support meetings for over 11,000 members struggling to quit, and the Kratom Sobriety Podcast exposes the reality of kratom addiction.

Join a Support Group Listen to the Podcast

Pills bottle surrounded with capsules of kratom

Can kratom kill?

The Tampa Bay Times' investigation found over 580 kratom-related deaths in Florida alone, with 46 people overdosing solely on kratom. Medical examiners document alarming levels of kratom compounds in victims' systems.

Tampa Bay Times: "The Deadly Dose" Investigation See List of 31 Known Deaths Kratom Danger Awareness

What do recovery experts say about kratom?

More than half of the patients presented to me for detox do so because of kratom derivatives. It is distressing to watch these readily available substances—marketed as herbal dietary supplements—cause such profound harm in our community.
– Kate Gibson, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, CPRS
Addiction Medicine Nurse Practitioner, Richmond, VA

The claim that kratom has no potential abuse and can do no harm is ludicrous. Until we truly understand how kratom interacts with other medications, promoting it as a safe herbal supplement puts lives at risk.
– Dr. Faried Banimahd, MD
Board-Certified Addiction Physician, Coleman Clinic, Richmond, VA

Traditional kratom preparations have been associated for years with tolerance, withdrawal, and compulsive use, demonstrating inherent addictive potential. Kratom marketed as 'safe' or 'non-addictive' is contributing to a growing population struggling with dependence and withdrawal.
– Dr. Ronald Mejzak
Director of Addiction Services and Medical Staff President at Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center

As kratom's popularity continues to grow, so does the number of individuals struggling with dependence. At The Coleman Institute, approximately 75% of our patient intakes were linked to kratom addiction as of 2025.
– Jennifer Gifford
Chief Executive Officer, The Coleman Institute for Addiction Medicine

Kratom addiction is real, and so is the pain and suffering that goes with it. Tens of thousands of people, and all their families, are facing a crisis that never should have happened. This industry chose to side-step safeguards to maximize a profit, and now attempts to blame the users. It was preventable then, and it is preventable now.
The good news is that we are no longer suffering in isolation. We’ve organized, and our collective voice will be heard.
– Hilary Tesluck
VP / Co-Founder Kratom Quitters, Certified Peer Support Specialist

Kratom presents like an opioid when using it. It's addictive and deadly. I see the effects everyday. People come in all strung out on it, and the damage it leaves behind in their bodies is devastating.
– Michael Tillem
Journey House Addiction Recovery, Richmond, VA

The biggest misconception is that 'natural means safe.' Kratom and 7-OH are not harmless herbal supplements…People using these substances can have the same detrimental effects seen with opioids.
– John Downs, MD, MPH, FACP, FACOEM
Director of Virginia Poison Center, VCU

I work alongside hundreds of addiction treatment professionals in Virginia, who all attest to a growing crisis tied to kratom addiction. Many clinicians report that kratom withdrawal and recovery can be as severe as heroin or worse. HB360’s straightforward measure to move kratom products behind the counter will prompt consumers to pause, ask questions, and understand this substance is not harmless, helping prevent addiction and save lives.
– Jill Cichowicz
Founder & CEO of 2 End the Stigma

…if you’re using it (kratom) for therapeutic things, it can lead to dependency and can lead to death. Everybody has different tolerance levels. Studies have shown that. So, what may be fine and therapeutic for you might actually be fatal for me.
– Mark K. Smith
Coroner of Carbon County, PA

What the Industry Doesn't Want You to See

Watch stories from journalists, people that were affected by kratom, and Senator McKell revealing the crisis hiding behind "natural supplement" marketing.

The Growing Toll of America's Booming Kratom Industry – Bloomberg Originals

Kratom Addiction Testimonies

Cameron's Testimony

Feel Free Experience

Jason Elis Detox

Kratom Addiction Recovery: Client Testimonial | The Sanctuary at Sedona

Kratom is an epidemic growing rapidly

Kratom/Kava Sold Like 5 Hour Energy

Mom Explains Not Harmless — Mind- Altering Severe Addiction

My Experience With Kratom | LAHWF

My Kratom Video Uncovered Something Weird

the feel free scandal is nuts

The Progression of Kratom Addiction

This Gas Station Drug Nearly Ruined My Life

What is Kratom?

Kratom in the News

"Worst thing I've ever been through": Finding out what kratom is and how it's addictive

Former user speaks out to inform others about kratom | WSOC-TV

Growing concern about the supplement kratom's possible side effects, risk of addiction

Justice for Kielee: End Kratom Tragedies

Recovering kratom addict thought substance was 'natural' | Elizabeth Vargas Reports

US health officials warn about synthetic Kratom, mother speaks out following son’s overdose

Kratom Experts and in Law

Addiction Experts Discuss Kratom: Easy Access, Addictiveness, Withdrawal, and Life Devastation

Kratom: The Truth Behind the Leaf

Senator McKell Kratom Bill

Senator McKell Kratom Bill 2

The Virginia Business Community Supports HB360

I support HB360 to move kratom behind the counter so consumers clearly understand it is not a harmless product and so retailers can apply basic safeguards at the point of sale. This commonsense step will improve transparency, reduce casual access—especially for youth—and better protect the health and stability of our families, workplaces, and broader community.
– Brian Anderson
President/CEO of Chamber RVA

The rise in kratom use creates real risks for the small business workplace due to its opioid-like addictive potential. We support HB360 because it removes the casual, grab-and-go placement and prompts consumers to pause, ask questions, and better understand that it is not harmless before purchasing or using it.
– John Brandt
Executive Director of Southern Virginia Chamber of Commerce

I support HB360 to move kratom behind the counter so consumers—especially within the Hispanic community—are clearly aware it is not a harmless product. This commonsense safeguard helps protect our families, strengthens workplace stability, and supports healthier, more secure communities where Hispanic-owned small businesses can grow and thrive across the Commonwealth.
– Michel Zajur
President/CEO of Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

I join Mayor Parham in strongly supporting legislation to prohibit the retail sale of kratom throughout Virginia, because this unregulated, mind-altering substance is harming families, weakening our workforce, and undermining the safe, healthy communities small businesses need to thrive. It is essential to protect young people and vulnerable residents from the easy availability of kratom in gas stations and smoke shops.
– Floyd Miller
President/CEO of the Metropolitan Business League

Other Supporters of HB360

Other States and Institutions Have Already Banned Kratom

U.S. Navy Reserve
Jan. 14, 2026
Kratom is prohibited for Sailors and Marines. Just because it’s sold as a 'supplement' doesn’t mean it’s safe or authorized. Kratom products may be unregulated or mislabeled, increasing health risk.
Ohio
Dec. 12, 2025
All forms of kratom-related products were made illegal to sell, possess, or distribute by the Board of Pharmacyʼs 3-Factor Analysis and Governor DeWineʼs Executive Order.
Connecticut
Dec. 10, 2025
Following a public hearing in which 64 individuals provided testimony, the Department of Consumer Protection classified kratom as a Schedule I substance.
California
Oct. 24, 2025
Kratom and 7-OH are illegal to sell or manufacture for consumption. While these products are sometimes marketed as natural remedies, they are dangerous and can result in fatal overdoses. – Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer
And More
Additionally, kratom is banned in Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, and New Hampshire, while regulations have been imposed in Arizona, Georgia, and New York, and Nevada.

Help Us Take Action.

Virginia lawmakers need to address the kratom addiction crisis affecting thousands of families statewide.

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End Kratom Addiction raises awareness about kratom addiction in Virginia and urges lawmakers to take action.

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